Turner Prize Exhibition

The annual Turner Prize was set up in 1984 to award the best British talent in modern art and recognise developments in that field.

The prize is awarded each year to 'a British artist under fifty for an outstanding exhibition or other presentation of their work in the twelve months preceding'.

The shortlisted artists all contribute work to the
Turner Prize exhibition
held at Tate Britain before the judges make their decision and pick a winner in December. This year’s exhibition runs between 5 October and 3 January. Previous winners have included Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst, Antony Gormley, Mark Wallinger and Richard Wright. This year’s nominations include painters Dexter Dalwood and Angela de la Cruz, sound artist Susan Philipsz and the multidisciplinary Otolith Group.

The prize always stimulates considerable debate about the often controversial nature of contemporary art and is now widely recognised as one of Europe’s most important art awards. Named after the British artist JMW Turner (1775-1851), whose work divided opinion during his lifetime, the prize continues to promote modern art to a large audience. Check out the exhibition and you can judge for yourself.